October 21, 2010

Random musings

Last night I went to my boss’ farewell. It was really a nice turnout! I didn’t even know he went to an Ivy League school…that was news to me. He actually has a very distinguished career, as I suspected. He is still sad about leaving–a real Patriot. The one thing I would miss about the military is moving every two years. I hope next year I will get my wish of going to Europe.

Next week I have my physical fitness test. I just realized that the AF shaved 10 points off the waist measurement. I usually max that part, so that really sucks. I delayed my black belt test until next month. Hopefully, Tae Kwon Do will help me knock the PT test out of the park. Yesterday, a student pulled his hamstring trying to do a roundhouse. Thankfully he is a doctor and his doctor friend was there to help. It was scary watching that happen. I injured myself twice…but I didn’t need an emergency room!

I had lunch with the Korean Nationals from my office on Tues. I decided at the last minute to treat them all to lunch since they always treat me. They were like shocked that I paid for all four of them. It only came to $38 for everyone, including me. When we sat down one of them was like, “I thought you couldn’t afford to pay because of the car you drive” or something like that . Even though I make more than all three out of four combined and their boss, it boiled down to the car I drive! I said, “well I do not have a car payment…so I use that money to buy you all lunch. The retired Korean colonel on my staff then chimed in that “majors get paid very well, so you do not have to worry about her.” It is so funny that a $1,200 car causes so much consternation. Earlier this year, the Koreans around the building apparently was talking about my car. I got several questions on how much I paid for it. They are still shocked it is still running after having it a year. A lot of people ship their cars from the states. But maybe about a 1/3 have hoopties. Cars are very much a status symbol over here.

Anyway, I discovered a terrible snafu in my records. I have to appeal to the Board of Corrections in order to finalize my performance report. My boss is retiring next month, but his last day is tomorrow. Yikes! I also have to get my 2008-9 report resigned. The general who signed it has his change-of-command on Monday. It totally stressed me out…so freaking annoying.

[…] G.I. Jane had something similar happen to her: I had lunch with the Korean Nationals from my office on Tues. I decided at the last minute to treat them all to lunch since they always treat me. They were like shocked that I paid for all four of them. […]